NJDOT Blue Ribbon Commission
holds
public hearing in Cherry Hill

(Cherry Hill) - New Jersey residents had an opportunity to express their opinions on the State’s transportation needs and funding sources today in Cherry Hill, as Governor McGreevey’s Blue Ribbon Commission held the first of three public hearings designed to collect public comments.

"The Blue Ribbon Commission is examining the transportation needs of the State of New Jersey over the next ten years, and public participation is a vital part of this process,” said Al Koeppe, Vice Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission. “We're here today to meet directly with concerned citizens to receive their comments and recommendations on what they feel are the most pressing transportation issues facing our state.

More than 30 South Jersey officials and residents, including Assemblyman Francis Bodine and Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt, expressed their concerns on commuter issues, redevelopment and mass transit. A single mother from Collingswood expressed concern as her commute over the past five years has increased to more than 1 hour and 45 minutes.

"New Jersey faces tremendous needs over the long term,” said Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere. “We must rebuild our Interstate highway system, repair or rebuild a number of high-cost bridges throughout the state, and ensure the efficient flow of goods and people. These public meetings provide concerned citizens the opportunity to help shape the recommendations presented to the Governor. We are serious about public participation during this open and inclusive process."

On January 7, 2003, Governor James E. McGreevey issued Executive Order 43 establishing the Blue Ribbon Transportation Commission to examine and make recommendations on the pressing transportation issues facing New Jersey over the next 10 years. The Commission is charged with providing a final report of recommendations to the Governor by the end of the year and the report will be made available to the public at that time.

These meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to submit verbal and/or written comments to the Commission. Members of the public will be asked to limit their verbal comments to five minutes; in addition, written comments will also be accepted. If you are unable to attend but wish to submit written comments, please either email them to BRTC@dot.state.nj.us, or mail them to: